“We saw his star when it rose and have come to worship him.” … Then Herod called the Magi… -Matthew 2:2,7
Magi, or astrologers, were studying the stars and found one that was out of the ordinary. They followed it all the way to Jesus.
They were also given instructions by King Herod—who wanted Jesus killed—to come back and give him more intel. But, after a face to face encounter with the tiny Son of God, they had a dream. They were to ignore the instructions of the king and return home by a different route. So they did.
My friend was praying for me recently and suggested to me that, perhaps, God wants to give me a new compass.
We follow signs… and sometimes they are helpful.
We follow kings… because they are in charge.
We follow examples… parents, friends, influencers.
But some of us need a new compass. The standards need to change. The scorecard needs to be thrown out. The structure is now too limiting.
Time for a new compass.
Jesus said, “Feed my sheep. Very truly I tell you, when you were younger you dressed yourself and went where you wanted…” Then [Jesus] said to him, “Follow me!” -John 21:18-19
Jesus: “Follow me.”
It might not look like it did before. You might disappoint some people and there may be discomfort. It’s going to involve caring for people who might seem like dumb sheep. You’ll likely go some places you wouldn’t have thought to go on your own.
Follow Jesus.